In This Issue:
Metropolitan Council Plans for Regional Sales Tax Revenue
At this week’s Committee of the Whole meeting, staff from the Metropolitan Council and Metro Transit presented information on the recently enacted 0.75% regional sales and use tax for transportation. The presentation provided councilmembers with a refresher on the tax, the percentage of revenues allocated to the metropolitan council (83%), and the legislatively directed eligible uses of the revenue. Some of these eligible uses include improvements to bus service, safety, accessibility, and transit shelters. The funding can also be used for bus rapid transit, zero emission buses, microtransit, active transportation, and wage increases for employees.
Council staff has forecasted that the tax will raise $21.2 billion over 30 years and that current and planned operational costs will rise to around $16 billion. The Metropolitan Council is in the middle of their budget setting process. On October 11th the Council will hear the Capital Program Presentation with the Public Comment Budget set to be adopted and released on October 25th. The Council will adopt their final budget and levies in December. Click HERE to view the presentation from Wednesday’s meeting and HERE to view a recording of the discussion.
Contact Mike Lund at [email protected] or 651-215-4003 with any questions.
MPCA Drinking Water Funds Available
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has $22 million available for the planning and design of PFAS treatment systems for entities that own and operate drinking water supply systems. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all funds have been awarded. To become eligible for funds, applicants must have at least four quarters of samples taken that show a rolling average that exceeds the EPA’s draft maximum contaminant level values for PFOS, PFOA, or the Hazard Index MCL. Funds can be used to pay for staff and consultant costs to plan and design for treatment systems to address contamination in community drinking water supply systems. Click HERE for more information on the MPCA website.
Contact Mike Lund at [email protected] or 651-215-4003 with any questions.